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Monday, 11 May 2015

Politics: Tories make only gain in council electinos

The Conservatives were the only party to gain ground in the Calderdale Council elections at the expense of a seat lost for both Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

The Labour group are still the largest group on Calderdale Council with 24 seats, the Conservatives have 21, Liberal Democrats five and there is one independent councillor.

No party has enough seats to claim an overall majority on the council, but is currently being run by a Conservative-led coalition.
Conservative Mike Payne was elected in Sowerby Bridge over Labour incumbent Dave Draycott with a 250-vote majority.

Mr Payne said: “Obviously I am very pleased. This is the third time I have stood to be on the Council.

“Praise must go to Dave Draycott for all the work as a councillor he has done over the years and all for the community.

“I now look forward to working a lot for the community.” Chris Pearson took Greetlan d and Stainland for the Conservatives from the Liberal Democrats with a majority of 844 votes after Peter Wardhaugh stood down.

He said: “It is incredibly humbling. So many people have supported me and this is the culminations of three years hard work.

“People have put their trust in to get the work done and there is a clear determination for change.”

Labour leader Tim Swift held onto his Town seat by 625 votes and deputy Labour leader Barry Collins held on to Illingworth and Mixenden with a majority of 545 votes.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader James Baker managed to hold onto his Warley seat with a majority of 55 votes. Scott Benton, the Deputy leader of the Conservative group, maintained his seat in Brighouse with a 948-vote majority.